Expansion Records

If you’re looking for a record that bridges the gap between Southern Soul grit and Motown sophistication, EXS044 is a vital addition to your collection. This 2023 release from Expansion Records unearths a track that was previously a "secret weapon" for a handful of elite DJs. The Product: Reuben Howell – You Can’t Stop A Man In Love / When You Take Another Chance On Love Label: Expansion / Motown Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EXS044 Release Year: 2023 Side A: "You Can’t Stop A Man In Love" Originally appearing on his 1973 self-titled Motown album, this is the definitive version of the George Jackson/Raymond Moore composition. While other artists have tackled this song, Reuben Howell’s version is the "dancer"—it features a driving, rhythmic urgency and a powerhouse vocal performance that makes it a perfect fit for Northern Soul and Crossover rooms. Side B: "When You Take Another Chance On Love" A deep, soulful ballad that showcases Howell’s incredible vocal texture. It highlights his roots in the Muscle Shoals sound, providing a raw, emotive counterpoint to the high-energy A-side. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Blue-Eyed Soul" Powerhouse Reuben Howell was one of the few white artists signed to Motown during their early 1970s "expansion" phase. The Fact: Howell was discovered in Florida and brought to Motown’s attention due to his incredibly "soulful" delivery, which many listeners initially mistook for a seasoned gospel singer from the Deep South. 2. The Carl Knight "Cover-Up" For years, "You Can't Stop A Man In Love" was played on the UK soul scene as a "Cover-Up." The Figure: Famous Northern Soul DJs would often hide the identity of the record to keep it exclusive to their sets. It was sometimes played under the name "Carl Knight" to throw other collectors off the scent. The EXS044 release finally made this "secret" track accessible to the wider public. 3. The 50-Year Wait for a 45 Despite being the standout track on his 1973 LP, Motown (via their subsidiary, Tamla) never issued "You Can't Stop A Man In Love" as a commercial 7-inch single. The Scarcity: Before this 2023 Expansion release, the only way to own this track on vinyl was to find a clean copy of the original 1973 album, which has become increasingly expensive. EXS044 marks its first-ever appearance on a 7-inch 45 RPM record. 4. The George Jackson Connection The song was co-written by the legendary George Jackson, the man responsible for "One Bad Apple" and Old Time Rock and Roll. The Figure: Collectors specifically hunt for any track penned by Jackson during his tenure at Fame Studios and Motown, as they are considered the gold standard of early 70s Southern Soul songwriting. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion went back to the Motown master tapes for this release. The audio has been "opened up" for the 45 RPM format, providing a much crisper percussion track and a more prominent bassline than the original LP pressing. The Label: This release features the iconic Motown "Map" label aesthetic, a design that evokes the label's 1970s West Coast era. Collector's Tip: "You Can't Stop A Man In Love" is a "floor-filler" in the Crossover Soul scene. Its 105-110 BPM tempo makes it an excellent transition record between traditional 60s Northern Soul and the smoother Modern Soul sounds of the late 70s.